Increasing MediSave Additional Withdrawal Limits for Private Insurance Premiums for CPF Members with Ample MediSave Savings

40 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider increasing the MediSave Additional Withdrawal Limits (AWLs) for the private insurance premiums of the Integrated Shield Plan (IP) particularly for CPF members who have ample MediSave savings.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The current Additional Withdrawal Limits (AWLs) range from $300 to $900, with higher limits for older policyholders in their 70's, whose premiums for the private insurance component could be up to four times that of the MediShield Life premiums.

We need AWLs to strike a balance between helping Singapore Residents pay for IPs, which are optional and often premium products beyond MediShield Life, and conserving MediSave savings for other healthcare needs especially in old age, as IP premiums can rise very quickly which policyholders may not expect.

Notwithstanding, MOH is constantly reviewing our healthcare financing policies, including usage of MediSave, as new data and evidence emerge.